McFarland-Russell Letter January 22, 1882

Newton Newton Co Tex Jan 22nd 1882

Mrs C.C. Russell Orange Tex.

Dear Sister, it has been some time since I rec'd a letter from you, and I do not know whether I owe you a letter or you owe me one, but I have to be short this time I have but little time. I left home three weeks ago to haul ties, have hauled only one week. The rain has been constant and heavy for two weeks. The woods are so soft that one could not haul ties for at least a week if it rains no more. So I will not have any more. Think I will try to get to farming soon. Missouri is staying at her Pa's while I am pretending to haul ties. I saw Sam last Monday said Mag. was well, Mr. Smith is about to get a big lot of Pine land, which if he does will make him big Rich. Got a letter from Puss, said a man was inquiring for the heirs of Mr McFarland. The man said there was land to the amt [amount]

of 10000 00/100 which he would get for half but he is the same man that was at Orange I guess they do not want the proper heirs it may be it will come out after while I think I will [?] at is some soon. The Court acted on the Estate matter last Monday. They approved of all the businesses that has been done. allowing the heirs one half of the community property, which ammounts to between twenty nine and 50/100 dollars, and thirty dollars to each heir. This money is ready to be paid out to the heirs, but I don't wish to send it by Registered letter without I knew it would suit them. You will please let me know. I don't know when I will go to Orange if you know any thing of E.E Fogger please write to her that her money is ready, and write me where she is and if she wishes me to send the money by registered letter, and who to I have never been able to get a letter to her yet, and I will not send the money on any risk of my own to her, Tell Bob that the money that has been collected, went to buy claims that had a proferency to his but that the amt that the lands sell for will be divided equally between the claims that class with his, but the land money will not come in for twelve months. Yet, hope to hear form you soon. Remain your affectionate Bro

R.E. McFarland